Kate ScotterPeople are being urged to do what they can to protect Norfolk's wildlife as a new range of stamps is launched.Kate Scotter

People are being urged to do what they can to protect Norfolk's wildlife as a new range of stamps is launched.

Royal Mail has today launched a set of 10 'Mammals' stamps, which turn the spotlight on the UK's mammal population and their struggle for survival in a changing world.

The stamps, which are the fourth in the Action for Species series, feature animals including otters, water vole, dormouse, hedgehogs and bats.

All 10 featured mammals, including the seemingly prevalent hedgehog, are the subject of conservation programmes due to the effect of adverse changes in their environment.

In Norfolk, measures are being taken to protect these animals and people are being encouraged to do what they can to help.

Nick Acheson, education officer for the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, said: 'Mammals come into conflict with humans and we need to protect their habitats.

'The best thing people can do is leave part of their garden rougher, provide plenty places for the animals to hide, leave out fresh water and never use slug pellets. For bats, provide lots of resting sites such as bat boxes.'

He said the population of otters was bouncing back as steps had been taken to protect wetland sites. They can be commonly seen at a number of the NWT reserves including Barton and Hickling Broads.

Meanwhile, water voles can be spotted in Broadland dykes, the north Norfolk coast, north-west Norfolk coastal marshes and parts of the River Wensum.

And more than 100 local 'bat groups' have been formed throughout Britain, including the Norfolk Bat Group and Norwich Bat Group.

Melanie Corfield, Royal Mail's head of external relations for the region, said: 'The mammals issue is a great example of how special stamps can combine a series of beautiful images, and deliver a powerful conservation message to millions of customers every day.

'Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of conservation groups and the public, the UK's mammal population benefits from legal protection and active conservation measures resulting in encouraging signs of recovery.'

To get advice on how to help the wildlife, call the Norfolk Wildline on 01603 598 333.

Do you have an animal story for the Evening News? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk